New ‘YouTube Kids’ App Protects Children from Inappropriate Content

Google released its new YouTube Kids app Monday that aims to create a more kid-friendly online environment.

The purpose in creating the app was to provide a way for children to watch YouTube videos without the potential to see inappropriate advertisements and videos that are present on the regular YouTube site.

“For years, families have come to YouTube, watching countless hours of videos on all kinds of topics,” the official YouTube blog states. “Now, parents can rest a little easier knowing that videos in the YouTube Kids app are narrowed down to content appropriate for kids.”

According to the blog, the new app incorporates the following features:

• Bright, playful design – Larger images and brighter icons make it easy for even young children to navigate.
• Family-focused content – Channels and playlists have been divided into four family-friendly categories: shows, music, learning, and explore.
• Parental controls – Timers, sound settings, search settings, and product feedback are available to give parents discretion over the videos, channels, and playlists their children are allowed to search and view.

The YouTube Kids app is now available for free download for Android and iOS devices.